Season 1
Episodes
1. Bento
2008-04-14
About the origins and evolution of the Japanese "boxed lunchset".
2. Miyazawa Kenji
2008-04-21
No overview available.
3. Lacquerware
2008-04-28
No overview available.
4. Rakugo
2008-05-05
No overview available.
5. Tsukiji Market
2008-05-12
A short look on the history, present and future of the famous fishmarket in Tsukiji, Tokyo.
6. Yoshoku
2008-05-19
Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.
7. Kyudo
2008-05-26
Kyodo (loosely translatable to "archery") is not so much about hitting the target as it is all about the form, skill and practice of the art.
8. Tea Ceremony Architecture
2008-06-02
No overview available.
9. Dagashi-ya
2008-06-09
A look at the phenomenon of dagashi-ya ("thrifty sweetshops") and the role they played in a community and it's growing resurgence in modern society
10. Nihon Buyo
2008-06-16
No overview available.
11. Abacus
2008-06-23
The "soroban" (Abacus) - a calculation tool no longer used in the Western world but still a common sight in Japan, where education and businesses use it with great succes.
12. Ryukyu Kimono
2008-06-30
No overview available.
13. Bamboo
2008-07-14
Bamboo, a native Japanese plant of the tree family, has many uses. This episode explores a few, such as tools, decoration and even as food.
14. Shirakawa-go
2008-07-21
No overview available.
15. Fireworks
2008-07-28
During the Japanese summer, fireworks are a daily phenomenon, as such, this episode shows it's origin, production and techniques.
16. Hanging Scrolls
2008-08-17
The wall scroll is not just used for decoration, it has a special role during the tea ceremony that is still practiced in Japan. From the special placement in a room to the padding of the scroll itself, everything must considered.
17. The Tale of Genji: Part 1
2008-08-24
The first part of two episodes focussing on the ancient Japanese epic that left a huge impact on the cultural history of Japan, "The tale of Genji", written in the Heian period. This part details the author, characters and plot.
18. The Tale of Genji: Part 2
2008-08-31
Part two continues with a look on the Heian period and the effect the epic had on Japanese cultural history.
19. Matcha
2008-09-07
Matcha, the powdered residue of ground green tea leafs, has been a key ingredient in the Japanese tea ceremony for more than a millenium, but nowadays it's also being used in more than just tea.
20. Tokyo Tower
2008-09-14
A key player in the skyline of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower is a source of entertainment and inspiration. A look on it's construction and influence.
21. Dashi
2008-09-21
No overview available.
22. Oribe-yaki (pottery)
2008-09-28
No overview available.
23. The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige
2008-10-05
No overview available.
24. The Seven Gods of Good Fortune
2008-10-12
No overview available.
25. Sushi
2008-10-19
This episodes investigates the staple Japanese food, "Sushi" via it's origins and ingredients.
26. Mikoshi (portable shrines)
2008-10-26
No overview available.
27. Yuzen Kimono
2008-11-02
No overview available.
28. Buddhist Statues
2008-11-09
No overview available.
29. Hot Springs
2008-11-16
No overview available.
30. Fish
2008-11-23
No overview available.
31. Tatami (straw mats)
2008-12-01
No overview available.
32. Castles
2008-12-08
During Japan's civil war era, many castles were erected as strongholds and displays of power by the local warlords.
33. Miso
2008-12-15
No overview available.